MARCO Loughran peaked at the wrong time at the World Championships in Rome – but has vowed not to let it happen again as he builds towards London 2012.

The 20-year-old from Guildford City Swimming Club crumbled under the weight of self expectation in the 100m and 200m backstroke at the Foro Italico – but with the pressure finally off he came to the fore in the 50m backstroke.

Despite failing to progress into the semi-finals in all three events, Loughran impressed most in the 50m winning his heat in a personal best time of 25.44secs.

Loughran finished just under half a second away from his first world semi but cut a frustrated figure after saving his best until last in the Italian capital.

“I can’t complain with a personal best in the 50m backstroke but it isn’t an Olympic discipline and it isn’t a really big event for me,” said Loughran, who studies and trains in America at the University of Florida.

“The pressure was off as a result and it didn’t feel as intense as the other events. I just wish I did what I did in the 50 in the 100 and 200 because they are my best events.

“I will leave Italy happy because I have gained some invaluable experience and next time I will make sure I don’t leave everything until the last event.

“I have to move things on now – things didn’t go quite as I would have liked in Rome but I have to look at the positives and improve that way.”

Loughran, a former European junior 100m backstroke champion, travelled to the Eternal City expecting big things – but left with his tail between his legs.

Many struggle with the jump up from senior and junior competition but Loughran has vowed to be part of the minority and not the majority in a bid to make next year’s Commonwealth Games.

“I had a lot to prove after my performances in the 100m and 200m backstroke to my friends, my family and the guys on the team,” said Loughran.

“That helped a bit in the 50m event but I don’t just want to sit back and think about what I did. I want to act on it because next year is another big year for me.”

British Gas, the nation's leading energy supplier, is the principal partner of British Swimming, supporting the sport at all levels “from paddling pool to podium”.